In humans, injury to the vagus nerve does not affect the tongue movement.
The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve (X). It is also known as the “vagrant” or “wandering” nerves. The nerve fibers travel through the neck to the thoracic cavity and through the oesophageal opening in the diaphragm to the abdominal cavity in humans. They provide nerve connections to the heart, lungs, esophagus, pancreas, liver, stomach, small intestine, and upper part of the large intestine.
The pharyngeal and laryngeal branches of the vagus nerves transmit motor impulses to the pharynx, soft palate, and larynx. The cardiac branches of the vagus nerves regulate to slow the rate of heartbeat. The bronchial branch of the vagus nerves constricts the bronchi. The esophageal branches of the vagus nerves control involuntary muscles in the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, and small intestine, stimulating gastrointestinal secretions and peristalsis movement. It also provides taste sensation to the root of the tongue.
